Okay, [i]yeah,[/i] it was unfair that things had ended up the way they were between Brendon and Ryan. Unfair to Brendon, that is. Actually, it was kind of sad - he came in excited and enthusiastic about this new opportunity, a potentially life-changing deal from Spencer, only to find that he was part of what Ryan perceived as a scheme between the drummer and bassist. It wasn't his fault that he was a more practiced, skilled singer, more suited for their sound and production. It also wasn't his fault that he, typical ball of energy Brendon, practically barreled into Ryan when they first met, but still it pissed the former frontman off even more than just learning he was being replaced would have. Usually his patience wasn't so short, honestly, but apparently time spent in the favored spotlight had changed that fact; now he got ridiculously aggressive at one man alone at the drop of a hat. And, even worse, seeing Brendon get guilty over things that weren't on him in the first place made it all better.

Ryan's vengefulness that started out as him taking it all out on Brendon with little to no repercussions (maybe the odd instance of Spencer snapping at him in defense of Brendon, not much else) was eventually matched, though, and that's when matters got much worse. They weren't good before - Ryan attacked Brendon whenever he got the chance, telling him to start over on a song if he messed up even slightly, rejecting ninety percent of the ideas he brought to writing sessions, so on. Now, with Brendon sending it right back, clocking Ryan on the fact that he only screamed at every mistake because he was jealous that there were so few in comparison to his own singing, knowing full well his ideas were good and deserved to be heard and therefore writing completely separate songs to present to unbiased parties, and more, it was worse. It was better than him standing idly by while getting practically harassed by the former singer, though; at least this way Ryan's attitude, all over a little bit of a hit to his ego, wasn't going unchecked.

Brendon looked morose through introductions, which was great, but Ryan could probably do better than that. So he pushed harder - and Brendon quickly got defensive. Everyone else in the room, naturally, looked either vaguely horrified or like they wanted desperately to leave, or both, all just contained out of politeness. [i]You have no [/i]idea [i]how much I wish it were me in Keltie's shoes.[/i] Ryan's smug expression dropped and he scowled at the way Brendon stretched out, languid, over his seat, like none of this was a big deal anymore. No way, he wasn't allowed to feel [i]fine[/i] about everything, fuck that. [i]He’s all bone, darling, watch yourself.[/i] Ryan sucked in a breath like he was about to respond to that just as smartly, but he had nothing. And just saying 'fuck you' like he wanted to instinctively seemed like a weak replacement, so. He stayed silent, setting his jaw and glaring at the way Brendon gradually looked more self-satisfied until he could actually grace him with a reply. 

For a moment he was a little scared; Brendon clearly knew the first 'type' comment was bullshit. If anything, Brendon was almost completely his type, if only he wasn't such an annoying asshole. Or, well, if he didn't have a musical talent surpassing his own, then he'd probably be fine. Ryan would probably even be pursuing him, actually. But it was dangerous when Brendon knew that, which he clearly did, sending a telltale look his way and potentially clueing Keltie in to the exact depth of their weird as hell relationship; Ryan tried to move on fast without addressing it directly. His deflection seemed to get to Brendon more effectively, and Ryan smiled again, pleased with himseld. [i]I haven’t [/i]dated, [i]no.[/i] Ryan nodded understandingly, looking sympathetic, totally seeing past the bored look on his face. Aside, the rest of the band was exchanging looks, Keltie still deeply uncomfortable.

[i]I don’t feel the need, because I’m not fucking desperate.[/i] Jon rose, upbeat, and clapped his hands together, approaching and guiding Keltie away by the shoulder while he said something about giving her a tour around the bus. Ryan's arm easily lifted off her waist, gaze not moving from Brendon while she and Jon spared them last glances. [b]"Not desperate? Weird. I've always thought you acted about as desperate and petulant as humanly possible. Is it just your personality?"[/b] He paused, considering the question for himself, then waved a hand, dismissive, leaning back against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest. He shrugged one shoulder, nonchalant. [b]"Maybe you're only like that around me, though. 'Cause clearly it's killing you to see me with her, right."[/b] Okay, maybe not a smart move pulling that card, but. Ryan didn't really think this stuff through when it came to trying to out-insult Brendon.